Trip Alertz For Jetsetters, By Jetsetters
Ever been caught out on a hike before with no snacks, and no grocery stores in sight? Whether you’re hiking the Appalachian trail or staying local, when exercising, it is incredibly important to look after your body before, during and after the workout. According to the American College of Sports and Medicine adequate food and fluids should be consumed while exercising in order to help maintain blood glucose concentration, maximize exercise performance, and improve recovery time.
However, if you’re in a rush to get out and about then taking a suitable snack is easier said than done. Not only do you have to think about something that will give you the right nutritional content, but you also need to think about how long it will last out of the fridge, whether it will attract unwanted wildlife, and how easy it will be to consume on the go.
Below, we’ll take a look at some of the top high energy releasing snacks to take with you when hiking.
Fresh bananas
Bananas make a perfect on the go snack as not only are they easy to store and grab while on the go without making a mess, but they’re also highly nutritious. As well as their dense carbohydrate content, bananas contain an abundance of vitamins and minerals, including potassium which has been proven to lower blood pressure.
Jerky
If you’re looking for a high protein snack, it can often be hard to find something that isn’t perishable outside of a fridge. Unlike other meat snacks, jerky does not need to be kept in the fridge and is great for chewing while on the go. Try this handcrafted jerky as a start as not only is it nutritious, it comes in a variety of flavors too.
Energy Bars
Energy bars are both tasty and nutritious, providing the extra protein boost you need while exercising, as well as giving a much-needed glycogen boost during your hike. Energy bars are incredibly versatile and come in a variety of flavors and styles too.
Dehydrated meals
If you’re going on a longer hike, it may be a good idea to take a dehydrated meal. Similar to what the armed forces use, dehydrated meals are lightweight, compact, and can last for a very long time. All you have to do is add hot water and they are good to go.
Porridge Pots
If you are carrying a portable stove and pot, porridge pots are a great option for on the go. Just watch out for those bears while you make it!
Mixed nuts
Packed with both protein and fiber, mixed nuts are the perfect snack to keep in a bag in your pocket and snack on continuously throughout your hike to keep your blood glucose levels up. As nuts are made of healthy fats, the slow release of energy will be much more beneficial for your body.
Energy Gels
Popular among the professional sporting community, energy gels are most convenient if you need a quick burst of nutrition but don’t have time to consume food. They deliver both lost energy and electrolytes, keeping you at your best throughout the hike.
Fruit
While some fruits can perish quickly in the warm weather, they are a great option for a quick release of energy while on the go. The high sugar content will keep you fueled, while being much healthier than a candy bar.
Candy Bars
Sometimes you just have to live a little. If you’re on a long hike, treating yourself to the odd candy bar among other healthy and balanced snacks will help fuel you for the ride.
Overall, the snack market can be a tricky one to navigate. However, by sticking to the above snack options, you’ll be hiking over more mountains than you thought possible in no time.
